Choosing the right toothpaste could mean the difference between healthy and unhealthy teeth and gums

How do you choose the Toothpaste that you use? Perhaps you are still using the same brand that you did as a child, having become used to the taste, or perhaps you are influenced by adverts and social media posts by influencers. Whatever the reason for your choice, it is worth stopping and asking yourself if you are really making the best one.

General ‘all purpose’ toothpastes

Habit can influence us in our choice of toothpaste, but our budget can play a role too. With the rise of ‘pound shops’, some of us may choose to buy the cheapest toothpaste possible. This strategy can work and if you check the ingredients carefully, you may well find that a cheap brand and a better known brand contain the same ingredients. In essence, what you are paying for is the packaging and the reputation. This does require careful research though if you are going to do this as some cheaper ‘budget’ brands may well contain ‘fillers’ and less of the active ingredients that work to keep your teeth clean.

In general, if you are looking for an all round toothpaste it is probably best to opt for a well known brand that already has a good reputation.

If you are buying for young children, you should also make sure to use one that is appropriate for their age. Not only are these likely to appeal more to their taste buds, thereby encouraging them to brush their teeth, but also often contain less fluoride.

‘Specialist’ toothpastes

Inevitably, many patients of our Canterbury dentists will choose to buy Toothpastes that are specifically designed for a particular purpose. They are usually also appropriate for everyday cleaning but you should check this out, especially with regards to toothpastes targeted at the cosmetic market. You should also be aware of some of the potential pitfalls of some of them too, and we will examine this and other factors below.

Sensitive teeth toothpaste

These are generally OK for everyday use but are also useful for anyone who suffers from the discomfort of sensitive teeth. They work by blocking the tiny tubules in the dentin part of the tooth, thereby blocking the temperature from reaching the nerves. These can be quite effective but you should also see your dentist if your teeth are sensitive as they may need to be treated rather than simply managed with a toothpaste.

Whitening toothpaste

This is perhaps the most widely used ‘specialist’ toothpaste available and has been heavily marketed. As with most adverts though, the claims are often widely exaggerated if you don’t read the small print. The reality is that the maximum amount of active ingredient allowed in these products, for safety reasons, is very small compared to that allowed to be used in a teeth whitening procedure at a dental practice in the UK. While they may offer a little help to maintain whiteness following this procedure, the likelihood is that most people who buy it hoping to have whiter teeth will be disappointed.

You should also be aware that some of these toothpastes include additional abrasive elements in order to remove more surface staining from the teeth. Care should be taken here as over use can also damage the tooth enamel, causing it to wear down and increase the risks of sensitive teeth and tooth decay.

Natural/health toothpastes

Some people prefer to eat and live more naturally and may well also choose to buy a natural toothpaste from a health shop or similar. In many cases, these are OK and the main difference is in the taste (which can sometimes take a bit of getting used to!). The thing to watch for with these is whether or not they contain fluoride. Some may not do so and this can be detrimental to the health of your teeth as fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel and protects your teeth from tooth decay.

Gum disease toothpastes

These are generally good for regular use and also contain active ingredients that help to break down the bacteria that can lead to gum disease. Many dental hygienists recommend these for their patients and we recommend discussing this with our Canterbury hygienist who may be able to suggest an appropriate brand to use.

Toothpaste might be an everyday item that we put little thought into, but your choice can make a real difference, both negative and positive, to the health of your teeth and gums, so please choose wisely.

For general dental care and cosmetic treatments, please make an appointment with Bradley and Partners Dental & Implant Clinic on 01227 463529.

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